The Forced Marriage Characters

Characters Discussed

The king, who by the power of his authority sets the plot in motion, although he is not a major figure in the play. He is a wise and just ruler, beloved by his people, who obey him out of reverence rather than fear. He is grateful to his generals for the successful war they have waged and rewards them liberally. He is a devoted father to his son and daughter.

Prince Philander

Prince Philander, the king’s son, one of the two heroes of the play. He is young and brave and always obedient to his father’s wishes, even when they are in conflict with his own personal happiness. He is loyal to his friends to the point of self-sacrifice. He is secretly betrothed to a general’s daughter.

Alcippus

Alcippus (ahl-SIHP-uhs), the second hero of the play, a young soldier who, because of his military triumphs, is promoted to the rank of general. He is modest enough to point out that an older man already occupies that position, but the latter’s wish to retire and hand over his authority to Alcippus persuades the young man to accept the honor. Alcippus is a close friend of Prince Philander, and both are in love with the same woman. In the beginning of the play, neither man is aware of the other’s passion.

Erminia

Erminia (ehr-MIH-nyuh), the daughter of the general. She is in love with the prince,...